WWII Hurricane fighter plane to auction for $2.7m

A fully functioning WWII Hurricane fighter plane will auction at Bonhams in December

One of the last operational WWII Hurricane fighter planes is arriving at auction in December.

The 1942 Hurricane, which has been fully restored and retains its 12 original Browning guns, is expected to make up to 1.7m ($2.7m) when it auctions at Bonhams, UK on December 3.

Around 12 Hurricanes remain operational today

Hurricanes were key players in the Battle of Britain during the second world war, shooting down more enemy aircraft than the more famous Spitfires.

The machine up for sale is not believed to have seen action in Europe, a factor that will limit its appeal somewhat to militaria collectors.

It was shipped to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 and its service history is unknown - a further mark against it - although it may have been used as a training aircraft or to protect Canada's eastern coastline from German U-boats.

Its great rarity will still ensure considerable interest. Just 14,500 were ever built, and only a limited number remain, with just a dozen still in flying condition.

Purchased by a Canadian syndicate in 1947, it made its first post-restoration flight in 1989 and was bought by the Historic Aircraft Collection in 2002.

Since then it has flown to Malta and Russia, where it has taken part in world war two commemorations and air shows.

Tim Schofield, the director of Bonhams' car department, commented: "This Hurricane is one of only a handful of these iconic aircraft still flying today, and is presented for sale in highly original condition."